We’ll start with what we’re most thankful for: Our community

Like every nonprofit organization in every small town or booming city, we have so much to be thankful for, starting with our community.

Mission 25 leans far into the support of the community of Columbia City, and even Northeast Indiana. For instance, at our Miami Village Community Center this summer, we were able to provide an entire summer’s worth of experiential programming for 38 kids! These events and opportunities weren’t just organized at a conference room table and put into action. These events and opportunities came with many thoughtful conversations with our community partnerships and collaborations with local businesses, other nonprofits and generous supporters.

We especially want to thank Image of Hope Ranch, Fahl Aquatic Center, Bones Theatre, Columbia City Pizza Hut, Shoe Sensation, Columbia City Dairy Queen, Columbia City Parks Department (Morsches, Eagle Park, Kids Dreamland and Devol Field), Ligonier Burger King, Dutch Creek Animal Park, Camp S.T.E.A.M. Ahead, Wake the World: Lake James, Marion Splash House, City Chevy and City Ford, WCCS Transportation Department, Deputy Prosecutor Lindsey Grossnickle, Indiana State Police, Officials from Whitley County Probation Department, Columbia City High School’s boys and girls soccer teams, Columbia City Fire Department, Columbia City Police Station, Mayor Ryan L. Daniel, Brew’ha, Vintage Blessed and the Columbia City Post Office.

It’s an “oldie, but a goodie,” but we can’t let this one go uncelebrated! Travel back with us to reminisce over the annual Knights of Columbus Fish Fry in March, where this fundraiser garnered $5,000 to support our services! We can never believe our eyes when the lines for this Fish Fry form as early and span as long as they do. So yes… it’s an “oldie, but a goodie,” and we’re still humbled by the rallying support of this community. You can see what these dollars help us accomplish here.

And we can’t just stop there! In the midst of all of these activities and fundraisers this year, other community members reached our programs in ways we find so unique and so kind.

The Tabitha Sisters harnessed the power of Spring and the love of Jesus by providing Easter Dinner, traditional Easter Baskets and outfits for our families. And as an annual tradition, the Tabitha Sisters also hosted their giant garage sale as a fundraiser for Mission 25. In the same vein, Miss Olivia D. crafted pot holders to sell at her grandma’s garage sale. Miss Raelynn and Miss Evy sold lemonade, cookies and popcorn alongside State Road 109 for the Fourth of July.

Monthly, we share our much needed prayers and anticipated praises with prayer warriors in our community. And monthly, they come together to do just that, pray and celebrate.

And finally, a special thank you goes to those who have either shipped needed items directly to Mission 25 (such as toilet paper, cleaning supplies, kitchen supplies and food) or who have been hand-delivering generous donations, homemade goodies and homegrown produce from their own gardens.

Thank you, from the deepest depths of our hearts, for your generosity, your time, your energy, prayers and so much more. We genuinely cannot do what we do without your support, in all the ways, shapes and forms that you share them with us.